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Stitch & Slash

Popular instructor Carol Ann Waugh returns to Craftsy for more fiber fun. Get your seam ripper ready to destroy in the name of creation.

Carol Ann Waugh sums up her creative philosophy this way: "No rules, no mistakes." In this class, she introduces you to raw edge cutwork, an exhilarating and vibrant form of surface design. Using Carol's methods, you'll reveal amazing patterns, colors, shapes and dynamics. Carol starts with ideas about choosing the right fabrics, colors and values. You'll layer, stitch, then rip for stunning results. Add couching, surface stitching and embroidery, and use the fabric for quilts, decor, accessories and framed art. Have a blast as you stitch and slash!

Lesson plan

Lesson 1. Introduction

Meet Carol Ann Waugh, who will lead you on a path of creative destruction! She explains the difference between Stitch & Slash, which is raw edge cutwork, and reverse appliqué.

13:14

Lesson 2. Selecting Fabrics

Hues, values and color schemes – Carol goes into detail on how to choose your fabrics.

10:20

Lesson 3. Layering

Carol explains the factors to take into account when layering your fabric. Choose contrasting values, iron out the creases, layer and pin to secure.

21:07

Lesson 4. Designing & Stitching

Now it's time to design the actual project. Learn nine different stitching designs that anyone can do, and how to apply one to your fabric.

19:27

Lesson 5. Slashing

Let's start slashing! Pick up your favorite sharp object and remove layers to reveal the pattern and texture of your final piece.

19:46

Lesson 6. Adding Texture

Learn how couching and decorative machine stitching can make your project more interesting.

10:27

Lesson 7. Sandwiching

Stitch your fabric to fusible fleece, so you can add machine stitching to your creation. Carol shares some pro tips about backing fabric and handling fusibles.

13:46

Lesson 8. Making a Pillow

Take your beautiful new stitch-and-slash fabric into an artsy pillow: trim it to size, add an envelope-style back and a pillow form, and voila!

12:33

Lesson 9. Leftovers

Have leftover scraps of fabric? You'll be surprised what you can do with them. Remember, there are no mistakes!

"This was my very first online class. I watched the entire class and am so excited to actually get my hands on some fabric and start sewing! You showed and explained everything very clearly, and your excitement for what you are teaching really shows. I am looking forward to starting your Stupendous Stitching class too! Thank you for the inspiration!!" - ahuston11

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Lesson plan

11:23

Lesson 1. Introduction

Meet Carol Ann Waugh, who will lead you on a path of creative destruction! She explains the difference between Stitch & Slash, which is raw edge cutwork, and reverse appliqué.

13:14

Lesson 2. Selecting Fabrics

Hues, values and color schemes – Carol goes into detail on how to choose your fabrics.

10:20

Lesson 3. Layering

Carol explains the factors to take into account when layering your fabric. Choose contrasting values, iron out the creases, layer and pin to secure.

21:07

Lesson 4. Designing & Stitching

Now it's time to design the actual project. Learn nine different stitching designs that anyone can do, and how to apply one to your fabric.

19:27

Lesson 5. Slashing

Let's start slashing! Pick up your favorite sharp object and remove layers to reveal the pattern and texture of your final piece.

19:46

Lesson 6. Adding Texture

Learn how couching and decorative machine stitching can make your project more interesting.

10:27

Lesson 7. Sandwiching

Stitch your fabric to fusible fleece, so you can add machine stitching to your creation. Carol shares some pro tips about backing fabric and handling fusibles.

13:46

Lesson 8. Making a Pillow

Take your beautiful new stitch-and-slash fabric into an artsy pillow: trim it to size, add an envelope-style back and a pillow form, and voila!

12:33

Lesson 9. Leftovers

Have leftover scraps of fabric? You'll be surprised what you can do with them. Remember, there are no mistakes!

The instructor

Carol Ann Waugh, Instructor of Stitch & Slash

Carol Ann Waugh is a fiber artist, teacher and author whose books include Stupendous Stitching and The Patchwork Quilt Design and Coloring Book. Carol Ann's award-winning work can be found in galleries and collections across the country, and in the pages of magazines like Quilter's Newsletter and Machine Quilting Unlimited. Her accessible, inspiring teaching style gives her students the confidence to discover their creative voice while making amazing pieces of art.

Ratings & reviews

Class rating

(227 reviews)

Sooo Pleased

by shooter3956613 on July 16, 2015

Wasn't sure why I took this class. It's not my usual style, but I was very surprised. The class was great. It was different and exciting. I got some great Ideals from it. Thank you Carol and thank you Craftsy

Wasn't sure why I took this class. It's not my usual style, but I was very surprised. The class was great. It was different and exciting. I got some great Ideals from it. Thank you Carol and thank you Craftsy

Enthusiastic Beginning

by Mks53 on July 6, 2015

Inspired already!

Inspired already!

Pure Freedom!

by pura vida on May 25, 2015

Definitely not the traditional approach to quilting, but that's exactly what I love about this class! Rather than knowing exactly what you are going to end up with at the end, Carol takes you on an enjoyable creative journey as you explore color, texture, and pattern the way YOU like it, and then guides you through the construction phases until you get exactly what your mind's eye wanted all along. Carol's instructional style is easy going, nurturing, and informative with easy to follow ...

Definitely not the traditional approach to quilting, but that's exactly what I love about this class! Rather than knowing exactly what you are going to end up with at the end, Carol takes you on an enjoyable creative journey as you explore color, texture, and pattern the way YOU like it, and then guides you through the construction phases until you get exactly what your mind's eye wanted all along. Carol's instructional style is easy going, nurturing, and informative with easy to follow verbal and written instructions and fabulous hands-on demonstration. Just a really really fun class with so many applications to use in the future!